Condemnation for arson attack on Newcastle home

SIR, — I wish to strongly condemn last week’s arson attack which involved pouring flammable liquid through the letterbox of a pensioner’s home at Ballaghbeg Park in Newcastle.

Fortunately, a smoke alarm alerted the pensioner who was able to put out the fire at her front door and then alert emergency services.

There is no doubt we could have been dealing with a much worse situation had there been no smoke alarm to warn and indeed save this pensioner’s life.

As an elected representative, I have to question the sickening actions of whoever was responsible for this act which caused distress.

The perpetrators need to be caught, brought before the courts and prosecuted for such a criminal act on a vulnerable lady.

Yours etc.,

CLLR. PATRICK CLARKE,

Dundrum.